The official opening of iconic 5-star Citrus Beach Resort Waskaduwa was held on Sunday 06 April with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the chief guest and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa as the guests of honour.

With all eyes on the 2014 ICC Twenty20 World Cup championship final match between cricket heavyweights Sri Lanka and India being played in Bangladesh, the opportunity to witness this historic event was provided by the management of Citrus Waskaduwa with giant screens being set up at the banquet hall and on the beach fronted terrace.

While taking the media on their tour around the complex, just 37 kilometres south of Colombo, Citrus Director Marketing Mani Sugathapala said that if Sri Lanka wins the final against India it would add a historic feather in the cap for the Beach Resort as having been officially opened on the day Sri Lanka had won the 2014 T/20 World Cup.

With President Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Minister Basil Rajapaksa who arrived later, witnessed the match on a giant screen in the main banquet hall while taking a few hours from their busy schedule and the invitees mingling around, Mr. Sugathapala’s wish came true within a few hours.

In his inaugural speech, Citrus Leisure PLC Chairman Prema Cooray said, “The leisure industry is taking a lead in transforming Sri Lanka. We are a nation blessed with a multitude of resources, which when harnessed can offer a destination unmatched in attractions. Although Citrus Leisure was the new kid on the block we are immensely proud to have proved our mettle by being the first leisure company to build and operate such a large hotel in the post-war era.

Every of the 150 rooms in this iconic luxury beach resort has a beach frontage and added 24 hour room and laundry services.

The main bar is unique in its design of surrounding aqua bubbles and colourful lighting effects. This is not to mention all facilities guests need, from Gym, Spa, extensive banquet facilities, private functions and one of the largest kitchen capable of turning dream weddings into reality.

Citrus Leisure PLC expects to complete a number of such hotel projects in the near future in keeping with its key offering of “Happiness Moments” in leisure travel.

[caption id="attachment_1526" align="alignnone" width="620"] Citrus Waskaduwa luxury room with view of ocean[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1525" align="alignnone" width="620"] A Seagull's view of Citrus Waskaduwa[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1524" align="alignnone" width="620"] Citrus Waskaduwa at night[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1523" align="alignnone" width="620"] President Rajapaksa lighting the lamp to open Citrus Waskaduwa[/caption]

Photo caption: President Mahinda Rajapaksa lighting the unique ‘citrus’ decorated oil lamp to declare open the Citrus Waskaduwa Beach Resort at Waskaduwa in Kalutara. (Pic. Lucky Singalaxana)